Last month, NBC talk show host Ellen DeGeneres gave a brand-new car to a Santee resident. On Thursday, the local woman received her new set of wheels, just in time for the holidays.
In November, during a visit to “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Susie Conway won a new 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo through a special giveaway.
The generous gift came at just the right time, as Conway’s husband, Marcus, was laid-off from work in August.
The Conway family was specifically selected by DeGeneres to receive the vehicle because DeGeneres was inspired by Conway’s passion for life, especially in the face of sudden financial hardship.
Conway, who has three children, works as an instructional assistant in a special education class. She said she’s been picking up extra hours in recent months to provide for her family as her husband continues to look for work.
Conway said her hours at work were extended just as her husband lost his job in something that can only be described as a blessing.
“I swear, there must be angels looking over us,” Conway told NBC 7 San Diego.
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On Thursday, the tide continued to turn for the Santee family.
As a trailer pulled up to the Conway home carrying the brand-new red car, Conway – clad in a turquoise “Ellen” T-shirt – screamed with excitement. Soon enough, tears of joy followed.
NBC 7’s news anchor Monica Dean was there to catch her reaction and congratulate her on the prize.
Conway hopped into the driver’s seat and tinkered with her dashboard before turning the ignition and parking her new car in her driveway.
Conway had a special message for DeGeneres, too.
“Thank you so much, Ellen. You’re such a beautiful person,” said Conway, through happy tears. “Thank you so much, you’ve changed our lives. You’ve given us so much more than this gift.”
Though times have been tough, Conway said she remains positive every day, giving thanks for everything in her life, especially her family.
